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Tavern Puzzles - Mechanical Puzzles

By Dave Fisher, About.com

Tavern Puzzles are reproductions of a type of puzzle traditionally forged by blacksmiths to amuse their friends at country taverns and inns. It is believed that perhaps the making of an iron puzzle was sometimes used as a forging exercise for young apprentice blacksmiths. Each Tavern Puzzle is mechanical in nature; removal of the object piece does not rely on force or trickery.

Self Restraint Tavern Puzzle

Self-Restraint Tavern PuzzleImage courtesy of StuffKidsLike.com
The object of this puzzle is to remove the large ring.
For ages 8 and up. Level: Simple

Wise Guy Tavern Puzzle

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The object of this puzzle is to remove the large ring. Manufacturer: Tucker-Jones House Inc.
For ages 8 and up. Level: Intermediate

Clef Hanger Tavern Puzzle

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The object of this puzzle is to remove the large ring. Manufacturer: Tucker-Jones House Inc.
For ages 8 and up. Level: Intermediate

Travelers Woe Tavern Puzzle

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The object of this puzzle is to remove the wavy shuttle. Manufacturer: Tucker-Jones House Inc.
For ages 8 and up. Level: Intermediate.

Black Jack Tavern Puzzle

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The object of this puzzle is to remove the shuttle.
For ages 8 and up. Level: Simple

Tinkers Bell Tavern Puzzle

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The object of this puzzle is to remove the large ring.

Lyons Loop Tavern Puzzle

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The original can be found in a private collection in Philadelphia, PA. This puzzle was named after the famous 19th century blacksmith, Patrick Lyon, c. 1840. The object is to remove the large ring.
For ages 8 and up. Level: Intermediate

Odd Ball Tavern Puzzle

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The object of this puzzle is to remove the large ring. Manufacturer: Tucker-Jones House Inc.
For ages 8 and up. Level: Difficult

Double Bypass Tavern Puzzle

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The object of this puzzle is to remove the heart. Manufacturer: Tucker-Jones House Inc.
For ages 8 and up. Level: Difficult

Big Shot Tavern Puzzle

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The object of this puzzle is to remove the large ring. Manufacturer: Tucker-Jones House Inc.
For ages 8 and up. Level: Difficult

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